About Dr Speron & the Park Ridge Medical Spa

Shouldn't you know who is running the spa or salon you are thinking of going to for a cosmetic procedure? Who will be there to see you if there is a problem??

Dr. Sam Speron is a Chicago Plastic Surgeon and is widely recognized by the media as a leading expert on Chicago plastic surgery and Chicago cosmetic surgery. Dr. Speron is a Chicago Plastic Surgeon and proud member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). Dr Speron is Board-Certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Park Ridge Medical Spa Massage Therapies

Chicago Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy Massage - Botanical Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is a healing art, which involves the therapeutic use of essential oils. Essential oils are distilled from a single botanical source and they can have different effects on the mind, body and spirit, as well as aid in skin care and wound healing. Through massage, these oils are absorbed through the skin and into the body to balance and heal. There is a variety of ways in which Aromatherapy is used, including baths, inhalations, compresses, creams, lotions and massage. Aromatherapy can affect the autonomic nervous system, the system that reduces levels of stress hormones in the body. Massage stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic flow which supplies oxygen and nutrients to cells and improves the immune system.

Chicago Deep Tissue Massage

Deep issue Massage - Break Up Scar Tissue & Trigger Points

Deep tissue massages are meant to "unstick" the fibers of a muscle while helping to release deeply-held tension, remove toxins, relax and soothe the muscles. This form of massage is both therapeutic and corrective. This technique focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Deep tissue massage’s main goal is to release chronic tension patterns through slow strokes and deep pressure on the contracted areas. This technique goes along the fibers of the muscles, tendons and fascia. Deep tissue massage aids in the break up and elimination of scar tissue. This massage technique focuses on more specific areas and causes temporary soreness the night of the massage. If done properly, you will feel your best in a day or two.

Why get a Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massages feel good and is beneficial to your health. Stressed muscles block oxygen and nutrients which causes inflammation and build-up of toxins in the muscle tissue. Deep tissue massage helps to loosen muscle tissues, toxins and enhance blood and oxygen to circulate properly. After this massage, drinking extra water is recommended to flush out the toxins from the body.

How does Scar Tissue form in the muscles?
The toxic environment we live in poisons our bodies, which is breeding ground for scar tissue and crystallization build-up, which leads to irritation and inflammation. This in turn, creates more Lactic Acid to build in your muscles and cause more soreness and pain. Our blood system bathes tissues by bringing oxygen and nutrients to the cells and carbon dioxide and toxins from the cells. This extra build-up in the muscles, tendons and ligaments increases pain and lack of movement.

When we injure our muscles, scar tissue attaches itself to the tendons and the origin and insertion points. This "protective device" enables movement of larger muscle groups, which in turn restricts and immobilizes smaller muscle groups. X-Rays and Ultrasounds do not detect scar tissue and can only be identified by a certified massage therapist.

Chicago Prenatal (Obstetric or Pregnancy) Massage

Prenatal or Pregnancy Massage - Essential Relaxation

Prenatal massage or Pregnancy massage, is therapeutic bodywork, which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the changes of the childbirth experience. This fast-growing technique has also attracted labor and delivery nurses, midwives, childbirth educators and obstetricians. Prenatal massage enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and body tone, and relives mental and physical fatigue. This popularity is resulting in a trend towards higher level of wellness, especially during pregnancy. Because of this, pregnancy is becoming more anticipated and enjoyable, especially because of the incredible and wondrous experience this is for a woman. The most common way to massage is to have the mother-to-be lying on her side.
What are the Benefits?

Not only does massage feel good, especially during pregnancy, there are other benefits for both mother-to-be and baby. Prenatal massage gives special attentions to the mother, which in turn nurtures the life that grows within her. Prenatal massage helps to reduce stress hormones in the body and is especially vital to the physical and emotional well-being as she adapts to her new body. A woman’s body during pregnancy is challenged, changing, and stressed in many different ways.

Other benefits include:

Emotional support and nurturing touch

Relaxation and decreased insomnia

Stress relief on weight-bearing joints

Neck and back relief caused by muscle imbalances and weakness

Assistance in maintaining proper posture

Preparing the muscles to be used during childbirth

Reducing the swelling to hands and feet

Lessening sciatica pain

Fewer calf cramping

Relief from headaches and sinus congestion

Who is not a candidate for prenatal massage?

Massage is generally safe during pregnancy, if questionable; discuss this with your primary health care provider. Your massage therapist will need to know if you are having problems or complications before beginning the massage. The following are circumstances which massage should not be performed:

Heavy discharge (watery or bloody)

Diabetes

Contagious illness

Fever

Morning sickness, Vomiting or Diarrhea

Unusual pain

Pre-eclampsia

High blood pressure

Abdominal pain

Any malignant condition

In addition, pressure should not be sustained around the ankle bone or heel, this area is linked to the uterus and vagina and may cause early labor. The rest of the feet may be massaged.

Areas to be avoided during massage include:

Skin rashes, open sores or bruises

Inflammation

Raised or distended varicose veins

Local infection sites

Other Known Pointers

Massage during the first trimester is not recommended, due to the tremendous physical and hormonal changes a woman experiences. After the second trimester, massage is suggested because a woman has become comfortable with being pregnant.

Deep massage can cause more discomfort to a woman and is discouraged. The mother and therapist must keep open communication throughout the duration of the massage.

Unscented lotions should be used, due to the sensitivity a woman may experience with certain odors. The room should also be well ventilated with the air circulation at all times. Soft, soothing music is recommended to calm and aids in the relaxation and comfort.

During the second trimester, once a week is great from 10 minutes to 1 hour. The third trimester, once or twice a week is best for comfort. Mothers-to-be appreciate these appointments because they know they will feel relief from recurring problems such as sciatica, leg cramps and swelling.

Chicago Sports Massage

Sports Massage - Active Athletes Need More

The sports massage is a special form of massage developed to help athletes reach their peak performance, to assist in their recovery afterwards and to facilitate the healing processes after injuries as well as prevention from injuries. It utilizes techniques similar to Swedish and Therapeutic Massage. It is appropriate for young and fit individuals and is adapted to the athlete's currant needs.Sports massage prepares trainee's body for peak performance. It is very vigorous and deep, almost painful. It should be done at least a day before the competition.

Chicago Stone Massage

Stone Massage - Hot Stone Therapy

Stone massage is a unique connection we experience with nature, offering a sense of profoundness and sacredness that we too often forget. It's a deep healing and unique moment that enhances our awareness and brings us closer to our true essence. It is the perfect treatment that is as enjoyable and healing for the client as it is for the practitioner.

Stone massage involves the application of water-heated basalt stones of varying sizes to key points on the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth. The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage. Those experiencing a hot stone massage will notice a healing improvement of the following symptoms:

Muscular aches, pains, sprains, and strains

Poor circulation

Rheumatic and arthritic conditions

Back pain

Stress, anxiety and tension

Insomnia

Depression

Chicago Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage - Basic Relaxation

Swedish is the basic form of all Western modern methods of massage. It was developed by Per Henrik Ling in Sweden in the 1820s. Ling, who is also the father of Swedish gymnastics and a pioneer of modern physiotherapy, rediscovered massage forgotten in the West for centuries since the collapse of the Roman Empire. He combined ancient Chinese, Egyptian, Greek and Roman techniques with modern physiology. Berghman and Helleday in the 1870's further developed and structured this method into four main phases: Effleurage (long gliding strokes) Petrissage (kneading), Friction and Tapotment (beatings).

Testimonials

"I love going every week or two to get a relaxing Swedish massage - it makes me feel great!" – P.S., Chicago, IL

"I
had a back injury from heavy lifting…after several deep tissue sessions, the pain was gone!" – D.G., Park Ridge, IL

"I worked at a computer all day and my upper back was always sore and tense, but my massage therapist helps rid me of the annoying pain I experience." – K.P., Chicago, IL

"I felt like a million bucks the next day after my massage!" – C.N., Darien, IL

"My third pregnancy was the most difficult, but having frequent massages helped me get through the last 3 months." – D.E., Oakbrook, IL

"Every time I have a game, I make sure I set up my sports massage appointment for the same night. It helps me recover much faster." – S.T., Arlington Heights, IL

All the extra weight I gained really took a toll on my back and legs. Getting a few massages throughout my pregnancy made me feel so much relief and less stress." – K.A., Chicago, IL

"Every pregnant woman should make it a point to get massaged during her entire pregnancy!" – C.P., Lake Forest, IL